Foncello and Bolinsky Host ‘Restock the Shelves’ Food Drive for FAITH Food Pantry

Newtown, CT. – State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Martin Foncello hosted a successful food drive on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Big Y World Class Market to benefit FAITH Food Pantry, by helping restock the shelves as we head into the Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s holidays, to make the season a bit less stressful for some local residents in-need. Through the generosity of the community, Bolinsky and Foncello were able to drop off two carloads of donations to the food pantry, located behind Rose of Lima Church.

Rep. Bolinsky said, “I thank all our Newtown neighbors for their kindness, all their pre-holiday cheer, and for the warmth of their generosity, which was greatly appreciated on a very chilly day!  Once word of the food drive began to spread, the response was incredible – it didn’t take long to gather six-overflowing shopping carts, bags and boxes of food, as well as pet supplies and personal care items.  We even had a couple of generous individuals take advantage of our Amazon QR code to donate, for direct delivery from the online retailer.  It was great!”

The pair thanked those who shopped for or dropped off items during the two hours they were collecting, including one woman who donated an entire cart full of non-perishable foods.

“We want to give a special shout out to Big Y Newtown for hosting us, and to the Frito-Lay representative who provided several boxes of snack food to donate to the food pantry,” said Foncello.  Also, thanks to Police Chief Kullgren and the Newtown PD for coordinating the drop off with Dave from St. Rose, who opened the pantry for our drop-off.”

The legislators wish all their neighbors an happy, safe holiday season, and a memorable, healthy new year.